Best Invoicing & Bookkeeping App for a Tow Business
The Short Answer
For most 1-truck operators: QuickBooks Simple Start ($25/mo) with the mobile app + mileage tracker. Wave (free) works if you don't need bank integration. Skip FreshBooks for tow — no dispatch integration.
Bookkeeping doesn't have to be complicated. Pick one tool, use it daily, close the books weekly.
Head-to-Head
| App | Monthly | Bank Sync | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Simple Start | $25 | Yes | Yes |
| QuickBooks Self-Employed | $15 | Yes | Yes |
| Wave | $0 | Yes | Manual |
| FreshBooks Lite | $17 | Yes | Add-on |
The Weekly Discipline
Every Sunday: categorize the week's transactions, reconcile bank feed, send unpaid invoice reminders. 45 minutes. That's the whole system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wave really free forever?
Yes for invoicing and accounting. Payment processing has per-transaction fees.
How do I track fuel?
Business fuel card + auto-import to QuickBooks. Manual entry is a losing game.
Do I need a bookkeeper?
Under $250k gross: no, DIY with QuickBooks is fine. Above: yes, hourly bookkeeper or monthly service.
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Derek Halston
Independent tow operator with 12+ years running light- and medium-duty wreckers on motor club and private property impound work, and the lead instructor at Tow Truck Pro Academy.